Cross Country Skiing
Following is a list of possibilities for Cross Country Skiing on the Monongahela National Forest. Phone before your trip to inquire about road conditions and access.
- Canyon Rim area, east of Parsons and north of the Blackwater Canyon. This includes Forest Roads (FRs) 717 and 18 (Canyon Rim Road), and the Canyon Rim Trail #117. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
- Canaan Mountain area, across the canyon from Canyon Rim area. This area is easily accessed from Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Parks, both of which offer rentals and skiing information. The area includes FRs 13 (Canaan Loop Road). Davis Trail #107,
- Lindy Run Trail #109, and many others. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
- Stuart Memorial Drive (FR 91) directly east of Elkins near Stuart Recreation Area. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
- McGowan Mountain Road. (FR 324) in the Fernow Experimental Forest south of Parsons is not plowed so can be good for skiing. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 478-3251 (Voice & TDD).
- Dolly Sods and Spruce Knob areas are large areas of high elevation skiing possibilities. Because access to these areas is often difficult or impossible in winter, a call to the Potomac Ranger District, (304) 257-4488, is essential before planning a trip here. The weather in the highest elevations often changes quickly, making a winter touring trip one only for those who are well prepared.
- Middle Mountain area offers good skiing on FRs 14, 17, 35, 44 and others when the snow is right. For additional information contact (304) 456-3335 (Voice & TDD).
- Shavers Fork Area includes FR 92 (on Cheat Mountain north of US Highway 250) and FR 47 (off of FR 92). For additional information contact (304) 456-3335 (Voice & TDD).
- Old Spruce Area on Cheat Mountain south of US Highway 250. For additional information contact (304) 456-3335 (Voice & TDD).
- The Highland Scenic Highway from Rt. 55 north of Marlinton to the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is unplowed in winter, making it a great skiing experience if the snow cooperates. Designed to provide scenic vistas it is sure to delight skiers. For additional information contact USDA Forest Service at (304) 799-4334 (Voice & TDD) or (304) 846-2695 (Voice & TDD).
- Cranberry River Area near Richwood offers trails and Forest Service Roads ranging from easiest gentle rolling trails to the most difficult longer, steeper slopes.
Cross Country skiing in West Virginia is a bit unpredictable due to varying amounts of snow, and because snow conditions can change quickly during any given day. Safe skiing means being prepared by having the necessary maps, ski gear, clothing, water, and food, and leaving your trip plans with a trusted friend. You should also know the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia! If you¹re prepared, skiing in the high open fields or gliding along a silent road can be one of the most enjoyable forms of recreation in the Monongahela National Forest.
Making the connection to your winter adventure is straight forward. You will need a Monongahela National Forest Visitor map, USGS topographic maps for the area you plan to ski, reservations at a local Bed and Breakfast or motel, access to the Weather Channel and some degree of flexibility in scheduling since snows can be unpredictable. Both the Forest Visitor map and USGS Topographical Quad maps are available for sale from the Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, Call (304) 636-1800, extension 0, about the cost of the maps or other information.